Page 12 of Haunted By Sin

“We saw on Mary Jane Reynold’s social media that she would be at the Crestlake Bar & Grill this evening, so we took the chance that someone from your firm would be here, as well,” the woman replied before glancing over her shoulder. She looked vaguely familiar. “That’s my husband.”

Once she was satisfied that her spouse was nearby, the woman turned her attention back to Theo. He wasn’t thrilled that Mary Jane was posting her locations on social media. Such foolish action could end up getting her killed, which meant that someone from the team would need to have a conversation with her sooner rather than later.

“What can I do for you, Mrs…”

“Reynolds. Mary Jane Reynolds,” she replied as tears filled her eyes. Theo realized immediately that he was speaking with the Mary Jane who resided in the northern part of the state. She must have cut her hair recently, because the photograph on file depicted her with long hair. “My husband and I are from Petosky, and I think someone has been following me for the past week. I’m frightened, Mr. Neville. I think I’m the killer’s next target.”

Chapter Seven

Brooklyn Sloane

May 2024

Saturday — 6:29 am

“I was able to convince the Reynolds to drive back home later today, but only because we gave our word that she would have round-the-clock protection. We’ll need to do the same with the other women bearing the same name throughout Michigan.”

Brook’s lungs burned with the brisk, morning air as she and Theo crested the small incline from the pier to the lake house. The steady rhythm of their running shoes thudded against the hard cement of the sidewalk. Gradually, they slowed to a walk until they came to a stop to begin their stretching regimen. Her favorite exercise was balancing on one foot while bringing the heel of her other shoe against her backside.

The relief in her thigh was palpable.

The bright sun had crested the horizon maybe fifteen minutes ago, and neither she nor Theo had spoken a word since they had left the house…until now. Their moment of peace had come to an end.

They had gotten into a morning routine when on field assignments, and she never would have expected that having company on a morning run could be so enjoyable. There was comfort in unity.

Brook wiped a bead of sweat from her brow, her pulse still echoing in her ears even though her heart rate had steadily slowed while she finished her stretches. Her thigh hadn’t twinged once during her morning jog, and she was very pleased with the healing process.

“I’ve placed a few calls, and I’m confident that we’ll get approval for the additional safety measures. Although you’re right, and most will probably be at a local level.”

Theo led the way to the front door of the rental house. They crossed the threshold into the coolness of the living room. The delicious aroma of coffee filled the air, but that was only because Brook had preset the coffee maker to brew a full pot by the time they arrived back from their run. She would have a glass of water first, but there was nothing like that first sip of coffee in the morning.

Bit was sitting at a makeshift desk in the middle of the room. He lifted a hand in greeting without interrupting his focus, obviously not completely lost in whatever was happening on the screen in front of him. His head was bouncing with the beat of his music streaming out of his headphones while the numerous monitors on the long, rectangular table flickered with activity. He was running a multitude of programs with information about their victims to find a common thread. She was confident that he would eventually be successful in that endeavor.

“Donuts,” Brook announced in victory, pointing toward the half-eaten jelly donut on a plate next to Bit’s energy drink. “I hope he picked out some chocolate ones.”

“I don’t know you can eat a donut right after a run,” Theo muttered good-naturedly as he moved through the living room toward the kitchen. “I need a good hour before I can digest anything other than my protein shake.”

Brook admired Theo’s ‘everything in moderation’ outlook. Sylvie had recently taken on a healthier lifestyle with great success due to monitoring Theo’s daily regimen.

“I will have you know that a donut covered with chocolate icing hits three of the five food groups,” Brook informed him as she followed behind, pausing only to pick up her tablet that she had left on the side table. “And don’t you dare say that I’m rationalizing when I haven’t had my coffee yet.”

The interior of the lake house was an eclectic mix of modernism anchored in rustic charm. Exposed wooden beams traversed the ceiling, while sleek, metal light fixtures dangled above. Their dim light cast soft pools of illumination over the hardwood floors. While there was a hearth surrounded by river rock on the far wall, it was currently too warm for a fire. Instead, Bit had positioned the large 4k portable screen that served as their murder board in front of the fireplace.

Theo crossed into the kitchen first, which was in contrast to the dim makeshift operations center that they had set up in the living room. The bright morning light bounced off the lake's surface, filtering through the sliding glass door and the wide window above the sink. Sunrays generated a shimmering dance across the white marble countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Brook walked over to the sliding glass door, pulling on the handle until the door stood slightly ajar. An inviting, cool breeze brushed over her face, and she inhaled the faintest hint of pine and freshwater.

No fragrance could cut through the aroma of coffee, though.

Theo was already holding out a glass of water by the time she turned around. She took the proffered drink before monitoring his progress to the fridge. Along the way, he swiped a napkin from the counter to wipe away the perspiration from his brow, taking extra care around his eye patch.

He retrieved his protein shake before letting the fridge door close on its own. The cap gave way with one simple twist, and he leaned against the counter to take a long, replenishing drink.

“You haven’t mentioned Mia in a while,” Brook said after she had polished off her water. She then set the glass gently in the sink. “Everything okay between the two of you?”

Jacob’s previous actions of having someone infiltrate their lives in such an intimate manner had affected every one of them. Sylvie’s decision to go with a home health agency should not have resulted in a woman stealing another woman’s identity, inserting herself into Sylvie’s life to learn every profound detail, before then attempting to take Sylvie’s life. Bit was the only one who seemed to be able to strengthen his relationship with Zoey, while the rest of them had been left to put up additional barriers.

“I asked Mia to join us at the pub on our next Thursday night outing, whenever that might be,” Theo said, his smile breaking free after he lowered his protein shake. Apparently, Bit wasn’t the only one who had been able to move on. Brook was always astonished with how time could heal some wounds. She reached for the coffee cup that she had set out next to the coffee maker. “You’ll like her.”